Iron(III)-catalyzed aerobic oxidation for the synthesis of 1-benzoxazolyl-o-carboranes

A FeCl 3 catalyzed tandem condensation/cyclization/aerobic oxidation process for synthesis of 1-benzoxazolyl- o -carboranes has been developed. The degradation of o -carborane in the presence of aza-/oxa-nucleophiles was completely suppressed, and a series of 1-benzoxazolyl- o -carboranes, 1-benzothiazolyl- o -carborane and 1-benzimidazolyl- o -carborane have been synthesized with good to excellent yields. This work offers a general protocol for synthesis of 1-benzoxazolyl- o -carboranes, which has important reference for synthesis of aromatic heterocycle-carborane derivatives and promote its applications in miscellaneous areas.